The proposed solar farm will cover approximately 60 hectares of farmland near South Lane, south of Cawood.
The site comprises three relatively flat plots of agricultural land and is located between the villages of Cawood (1.5km to the north) and Wistow (0.85km to the east).
There are numerous overhead power lines and pylons across the site, comprising 11kV, 33kV and 132kV.
Approximately two thirds of the proposed site area is flood zone 2, with an approximate 10% more located in zones 1 and 3 (higher risk). There are several drainage ditches across the site.
The site area doesn’t cover any protected landscape areas like National Parks or National Landscapes.
In terms of heritage, there are no designations within the site, however, the Cawood Conservation Area lies approximately 0.84km to the north and the nearest listed building is over 0.25km away from the site.
There is one statutorily designated ecology site in the local area: Burr Closes, Selby. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are several local non-statutory designated sites within the local vicinity, including numerous SINCs and an Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland. At further distance from the site are Skipwith Common and The Lower Derwent Valley – designated sites at 6km and 9km respectively. Both have several designations (National Nature Reserve, Special Area of Conservation, and Special Protection Areas).
The recent spikes in domestic energy prices affecting households across the country have encouraged the government to focus on a more independent UK energy strategy. Solar power is key to creating affordable and secure energy generation nationwide.
In addition, one of the government’s flagship goals is to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”; promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the move to net zero. As part of this mission, it has pledged to work with the private sector to triple the country’s solar capacity by the same date.
The Wiswood solar farm will contribute to this by generating 49.9MW of clean energy: enough to power the equivalent of 15,150 homes. A 10MW battery will store excess energy to be used later in the day when demand is higher.
Megawatts (MW) of clean energy generated
Standard domestic households powered annually
Approx. hectares of land protected by the solar farm
We plan to install a 49.9MW solar array across approximately 60 hectares of land, requiring minimal groundworks. The panels will be mounted on frames, with the top edge of the panels being about three metres high.
In addition to the solar panels, the site will also include:
Access will be from from Long Lane, South Lane and Broad Lane.
The planning application will be determined by North Yorkshire Council.
Ecological enhancements lie at the heart of the Wiswood Solar proposal.
Ecological surveys started in 2022 and are still underway. Ecological enhancements (and mitigation where deemed necessary) will be implemented as part of the Wiswood Solar proposal.
A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain will be delivered across the site, and this may involve the planting of trees, hedgerows and the installation of bird boxes.
Initial Feasibility studies
Technical surveys
Public engagement
Planning submission (this date is driven by the need to submit the planning application ahead of grid reform).
Construction